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english_lady03's review
4.0
Carolyn Miller's "Dawn's Untrodden Green" is a heartwarming and tender tale of unexpected love set in a tranquil Northumberland village. With endearing characters, delightful wit, and a touch of scandal, this novel explores the twists and turns that challenge even the best-laid plans, revealing the hand of destiny in matters of the heart.
Theodosia Stapleton, known as Theo, leads a quiet life caring for her ailing mother in the home of her eccentric grandfather, General Contrary. When a dear friend passes away, leaving behind an orphaned daughter, Theo readily welcomes the child into her world. However, everything changes when the girl's famous uncle, Daniel Balfour, unexpectedly arrives, disrupting Theo's peaceful existence.
Daniel, a war veteran seeking solace from his newfound fame, entrusts Theo with the care of his niece, Rebecca. Theo's warmth and quick wit immediately captivate Daniel, and he finds himself drawn to her. Despite their growing attraction, Daniel believes marriage is not in his future, given his dedication to the army. Meanwhile, Theo grapples with her own doubts and insecurities, uncertain if she can overcome her spinsterhood and embrace the possibility of love.
As Theo and Daniel navigate their conflicting emotions, an accident and a scandal disrupt their lives, forcing them to confront their true desires and carefully laid plans. Miller masterfully crafts a story filled with tender moments, heartfelt discoveries, and the undeniable intervention of fate. Through her engaging prose, readers are transported to 19th century Northumberland , feeling intimately connected to the characters and their emotional journey.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its well-drawn characters. Theo is a relatable and sympathetic heroine, her resilience and selflessness shining through as she cares for her mother and the young Rebecca. Daniel, haunted by his past and grappling with conflicting obligations, is a compelling and complex hero. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their evolving relationship is beautifully portrayed, filled with both moments of tenderness and captivating banter.
I loved how they bonded over the plays in Shakespeare’s Henriad (Henry IV Part I & II and Henry V). These are some of my favourite plays: I could love a man who loved Henry V. Sighs.
The plot unfolds at a steady pace, occasionally it meanders, especially during the introduction of historical context and background information. I like this kind of slow-burn romance with a detailed plot and backdrop, although it might not be according to everyone’s taste.
Altogether, Carolyn Miller delivers a delightful and enchanting tale of love's unexpected arrival with echoes of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. With its engaging characters, heartfelt storytelling, and the realization that life's plans can often be reshaped by destiny and God, this novel will captivate fans of historical romance and leave them longing for more.
Thanks to Kregel for approving me for this title on Netgalley. This did not impact my opinions and I was not required to write a review.
Theodosia Stapleton, known as Theo, leads a quiet life caring for her ailing mother in the home of her eccentric grandfather, General Contrary. When a dear friend passes away, leaving behind an orphaned daughter, Theo readily welcomes the child into her world. However, everything changes when the girl's famous uncle, Daniel Balfour, unexpectedly arrives, disrupting Theo's peaceful existence.
Daniel, a war veteran seeking solace from his newfound fame, entrusts Theo with the care of his niece, Rebecca. Theo's warmth and quick wit immediately captivate Daniel, and he finds himself drawn to her. Despite their growing attraction, Daniel believes marriage is not in his future, given his dedication to the army. Meanwhile, Theo grapples with her own doubts and insecurities, uncertain if she can overcome her spinsterhood and embrace the possibility of love.
As Theo and Daniel navigate their conflicting emotions, an accident and a scandal disrupt their lives, forcing them to confront their true desires and carefully laid plans. Miller masterfully crafts a story filled with tender moments, heartfelt discoveries, and the undeniable intervention of fate. Through her engaging prose, readers are transported to 19th century Northumberland , feeling intimately connected to the characters and their emotional journey.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its well-drawn characters. Theo is a relatable and sympathetic heroine, her resilience and selflessness shining through as she cares for her mother and the young Rebecca. Daniel, haunted by his past and grappling with conflicting obligations, is a compelling and complex hero. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their evolving relationship is beautifully portrayed, filled with both moments of tenderness and captivating banter.
I loved how they bonded over the plays in Shakespeare’s Henriad (Henry IV Part I & II and Henry V). These are some of my favourite plays: I could love a man who loved Henry V. Sighs.
The plot unfolds at a steady pace, occasionally it meanders, especially during the introduction of historical context and background information. I like this kind of slow-burn romance with a detailed plot and backdrop, although it might not be according to everyone’s taste.
Altogether, Carolyn Miller delivers a delightful and enchanting tale of love's unexpected arrival with echoes of Jane Austen’s Persuasion. With its engaging characters, heartfelt storytelling, and the realization that life's plans can often be reshaped by destiny and God, this novel will captivate fans of historical romance and leave them longing for more.
Thanks to Kregel for approving me for this title on Netgalley. This did not impact my opinions and I was not required to write a review.
farmfreshlisa's review
4.0
I think you can capture the lesson of this book into the line from Shakespeare which states:
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.
Nearly all of the issues in this book happen because Captain Balfour doesn't want anyone to know who he is, and Theodosia agrees to abide by his request. Thus partial truths, omissions, and misunderstandings happen.
In this book, the leading lady is a spinster with a port-wine stain birthmark on her face which she is very aware of as helping to contribute to her lack of matrimonial propescts. The leading male is sure he cannot get married and just wants to get his niece and go back to work in his soldiering career.
But one thing after another complicate matters and he gets delayed and delayed. And then the deception builds and builds and causes more and more issues before it comes to a head.
4 Stars to finish this series.
librarygirlreads's review
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bookishmiss's review
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
This is the ninth of Carolyn Miller's novels I have read, and (I fear) I may not be able to do it justice in this review, as I devoured most of Dawn's Untrodden Green in one day.
I will need to re-read this novel at a slower pace to review it well, but in the meantime I can say...
The third and final novel in the Regency Wallflowers series, Dawn's Untrodden Green is a story I enjoyed. The Regency Wallflowers series is perhaps my favourite series out of all those of Ms Miller's I have read to date, A Legacy of Grace and A Promise of Hope being the other two series, each comprising three novels.
With all being openly Christian novels, I felt as though Dawn's Untrodden Green was, perhaps, not quite as deep emotionally as Midnight's Budding Morrow or Dusk's Darkest Shores. But, having read the Author's Note at the end of this novel, she does indicate she found it necessary for this final novel in the series to be a little more light hearted in tone, after exploring some heavy topics in the previous novels.
As with her other novels, Dawn's Untrodden Green is a story I found encouraging as a person of Christian faith - including the exploration of the impact "little sins" can have on us when we try to justify them, or not acknowledge them at all. As I contemplate this thought now, I think my opening sentence was perhaps correct - I may not be doing this novel justice, because of how quickly I read it. Thinking now about those "little sins" we can try to downplay, perhaps this novel is just as deep emotionally as Ms Miller's other works. The focus on those so-called "little sins" as opposed to the sins considered "big", the unassuming personalities of both Captain Daniel Balfour and Theodosia Stapleton, and the quiet life Theodosia leads meant this story contained less drama. Less drama externally, that is, not necessarily less internal drama in the hearts and minds of the characters.
Another good read. Endearing characters, and an encouraging story for readers who enjoy Christian fiction, with reminders of the forgiveness and salvation we have in Christ.
I will need to re-read this novel at a slower pace to review it well, but in the meantime I can say...
The third and final novel in the Regency Wallflowers series, Dawn's Untrodden Green is a story I enjoyed. The Regency Wallflowers series is perhaps my favourite series out of all those of Ms Miller's I have read to date, A Legacy of Grace and A Promise of Hope being the other two series, each comprising three novels.
With all being openly Christian novels, I felt as though Dawn's Untrodden Green was, perhaps, not quite as deep emotionally as Midnight's Budding Morrow or Dusk's Darkest Shores. But, having read the Author's Note at the end of this novel, she does indicate she found it necessary for this final novel in the series to be a little more light hearted in tone, after exploring some heavy topics in the previous novels.
As with her other novels, Dawn's Untrodden Green is a story I found encouraging as a person of Christian faith - including the exploration of the impact "little sins" can have on us when we try to justify them, or not acknowledge them at all. As I contemplate this thought now, I think my opening sentence was perhaps correct - I may not be doing this novel justice, because of how quickly I read it. Thinking now about those "little sins" we can try to downplay, perhaps this novel is just as deep emotionally as Ms Miller's other works. The focus on those so-called "little sins" as opposed to the sins considered "big", the unassuming personalities of both Captain Daniel Balfour and Theodosia Stapleton, and the quiet life Theodosia leads meant this story contained less drama. Less drama externally, that is, not necessarily less internal drama in the hearts and minds of the characters.
Another good read. Endearing characters, and an encouraging story for readers who enjoy Christian fiction, with reminders of the forgiveness and salvation we have in Christ.
brittsbooknook's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Loved the banter between Daniel and Theodosia.
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